Will Book __, Page 270
Proven: Sept. 1860

I, James Johnson of the County of Hawkins, State of Tennessee, do make and publish this my last Will and Testament hereby revoking and making void all former wills by me at any time made.

I direct that my body be interred at my grave yard in said county and suitable to my condition in life, and as to such worldly estate as it has pleased God to bestow upon me, I dispose of the same as follows:

First. I direct that my debts and funeral Expenses be paid as soon after my decease as possible out of any money that I may die possessed of or may first come into the hands of my Executor from any portion of my Estate.

Second I will and bequeath to my beloved wife Ann, my five slaves, to wit: Charity, a mulatto woman aged about 53 years, Martha a mulatto girl about 19 years and her increase, Benston a mulatto boy about 21 and two little girls, Catherine & Caroline. My wife Ann to dispose of said slaves as she may think proper at her death.

I also bequeath to my wife Ann two horses, the choice of my stock, one of said horses to do with as she may think fit at her death. Also two milk cows and calves, her choice of my stock, 20 head of hogs and 15 head of sheep, her choice. Also one wagon and two pair of gear, one patent plow, one shovel plow, one bull tongue plow, one log chain, one copper kettle, also all of my household furniture, all kitchen furniture, all my beds, bedsteads and bed clothing.

My wife Ann to dispose of the beds and furniture at her death as she thinks proper, also all my geese and other fowl.

Third. I will and bequeath to my son Walter Johnson $250.00 out of my Estate.

Fourth. I will and bequeath to my son A. D. Johnson the balance of the Isam Looney tract of land by the said A. D. Johnson paying to Walter Johnson $200.00, it being a portion of the above bequeath to Walter Johnson.

It is also my wish that the crop of corn, wheat and oats on hand be left to my wife Ann to dispose of as she may think proper.

I also will and bequeath if there should be anything left after paying all my debts and filling the above bequests that it be equally divided between all my daughters by my first wife.

I do hereby make ordain and appoint my wife Ann and my son A. D. Johnson Executors of this my last Will and Testament.

In witness whereof I James Johnson the said Testator have to this my last will set my hand and seal This Eleventh day of February in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and fifty nine.

James Johnson (seal)

Attest:

Samuel A. Kirkead
Absalom Looney

This Hawkins County Will was transcribed by one of the following volunteers:  Audrae Mathis; Gary Fletcher; Betty Mize; Diana Arney; Karen Negron, Kathey Welder.